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Sendero #2
Who Sings to the Dead?
i>Alternate Cover Edition can be found here.
Who can you trust in a country haunted by its past?
On the hunt for an abducted Indian beggar girl, Peruvian National Police officer Nina Flores is determined to track down the suspected kidnapper, a man who resembles what the locals call pishtacos: tall, pale ghosts who steal children. In spite of being jumped by a mysterious attacker, and the murder of a woman who gets too close to the truth, Nina is blocked at every turn by her superiors. Then she discovers links to a second case reaching back twenty years to the country's dirty war. Defying the powers that be, Nina forms a shaky alliance with a member of a brutal drug cartel and heads deep into the Amazon jungle. She will bring the lost one home, or die trying.
Who can you trust in a country haunted by its past?
On the hunt for an abducted Indian beggar girl, Peruvian National Police officer Nina Flores is determined to track down the suspected kidnapper, a man who resembles what the locals call pishtacos: tall, pale ghosts who steal children. In spite of being jumped by a mysterious attacker, and the murder of a woman who gets too close to the truth, Nina is blocked at every turn by her superiors. Then she discovers links to a second case reaching back twenty years to the country's dirty war. Defying the powers that be, Nina forms a shaky alliance with a member of a brutal drug cartel and heads deep into the Amazon jungle. She will bring the lost one home, or die trying.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2013
58 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Max Tomlinson
13 books196 followersBorn in the wilds of San Francisco, with its rich literary history and public transport system teeming with potential characters suitable for crime novels, it was inevitable that Max Tomlinson would become a writer.
He is also kindred spirits with a dog named Floyd, a shelter-mix who stops and stares at headlights as they pass by at night. There's a story there, too. If only Floyd could talk. Then again, maybe not.
His work to date includes SENDERO (listed as one of the top 100 Indie novels of 2012 by Kirkus), WHO SINGS TO THE DEAD, LETHAL DISPATCH, THE CAIN FILE (selected by Amazon’s Kindle Scout program) and the follow-up – THE DARKNET FILE. A new three-book mystery series set in 1970s San Francisco debuted in 2019 with Oceanview Publishing. The first book, VANISHING IN THE HAIGHT, features ex-con Colleen Hayes, on the hunt for her long-lost daughter. TIE DIE, book #2, releases August 2020.
Max also writes under the pen name “Max Radin” when he’s not being purely mysterious or suspenseful. Check out ROCK 'N' ROLL VAMPIRE for his comedy debut.
He is also kindred spirits with a dog named Floyd, a shelter-mix who stops and stares at headlights as they pass by at night. There's a story there, too. If only Floyd could talk. Then again, maybe not.
His work to date includes SENDERO (listed as one of the top 100 Indie novels of 2012 by Kirkus), WHO SINGS TO THE DEAD, LETHAL DISPATCH, THE CAIN FILE (selected by Amazon’s Kindle Scout program) and the follow-up – THE DARKNET FILE. A new three-book mystery series set in 1970s San Francisco debuted in 2019 with Oceanview Publishing. The first book, VANISHING IN THE HAIGHT, features ex-con Colleen Hayes, on the hunt for her long-lost daughter. TIE DIE, book #2, releases August 2020.
Max also writes under the pen name “Max Radin” when he’s not being purely mysterious or suspenseful. Check out ROCK 'N' ROLL VAMPIRE for his comedy debut.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 21, 2014
Rating: 3.5* of five
I can't wait for the next one to come out! I'm really looking forward to seeing where Ninasisa will go next. I did have some minor gripes, hence the three-and-a-half stars; full review is here.
I can't wait for the next one to come out! I'm really looking forward to seeing where Ninasisa will go next. I did have some minor gripes, hence the three-and-a-half stars; full review is here.
March 12, 2013
In his second Nina Flores novel, "Who Sings to the Dead?" Kirkus award winning author Max Tomlinson returns us again to the complex world of modern Peru and the aftermath of the "Dirty War" waged by the Peruvian government against the Sendero Luminoso rebel movement.
Not as directly related to the events of the war as his first novel, "Sendero," the substance "Who Sings..." still invokes the web of secrets that continues to ensnare the South American nation, while also weaving in the elements of a compelling police procedural as Flores attempts to rescue a young Indian girl kidnapped by an American with a connection to the "Dirty War."
As with "Sendero," Tomlinson brings his keen eye for description and dialogue to the mix, giving the reader an up close and intimate take on a national character forever changed by their own "war on terror," with the suffering of ancient and noble people again brilliantly personified by the grit and courage of Nina Flores.
Readers lucky enough to have encountered the first in the series will appreciate the subtle character developments that have occurred for Flores since the end of "Sendero." But newer readers will be able to quickly follow the arc of the story without having to keep a extensive score card of previous events.
At approximately 300 e-book pages, "Who Sings..." is a denser read than "Sendero," but in the end as the tension builds, Tomlinson's plot of interviewing mysteries brings the reader a thrilling and worthy conclusion.
The vivid descriptions of the Holy Week backdrop for the story and the subsequent chase into the rainforest countryside will make you call your travel agent. And the skillful revealing of the inner-lives of Flores and the other characters in "Who Sings" proves again that Tomlinson is a worthy heir to the underworld territory of Lenard and Patterson.
Simply said, "Who Sings to the Dead," is an another triumph for Max Tomlinson, proving once again that he is among the best independents working in the field.
Jason M. Stewart www.criticstudio.com
Not as directly related to the events of the war as his first novel, "Sendero," the substance "Who Sings..." still invokes the web of secrets that continues to ensnare the South American nation, while also weaving in the elements of a compelling police procedural as Flores attempts to rescue a young Indian girl kidnapped by an American with a connection to the "Dirty War."
As with "Sendero," Tomlinson brings his keen eye for description and dialogue to the mix, giving the reader an up close and intimate take on a national character forever changed by their own "war on terror," with the suffering of ancient and noble people again brilliantly personified by the grit and courage of Nina Flores.
Readers lucky enough to have encountered the first in the series will appreciate the subtle character developments that have occurred for Flores since the end of "Sendero." But newer readers will be able to quickly follow the arc of the story without having to keep a extensive score card of previous events.
At approximately 300 e-book pages, "Who Sings..." is a denser read than "Sendero," but in the end as the tension builds, Tomlinson's plot of interviewing mysteries brings the reader a thrilling and worthy conclusion.
The vivid descriptions of the Holy Week backdrop for the story and the subsequent chase into the rainforest countryside will make you call your travel agent. And the skillful revealing of the inner-lives of Flores and the other characters in "Who Sings" proves again that Tomlinson is a worthy heir to the underworld territory of Lenard and Patterson.
Simply said, "Who Sings to the Dead," is an another triumph for Max Tomlinson, proving once again that he is among the best independents working in the field.
Jason M. Stewart www.criticstudio.com
May 3, 2019
7/18/1992, Peruvian Andes, Huancayo. Professor Sánchez, Leon Tenia (21, La Cantuta U student) & several other students had been kidnapped.
2012, Cusco, Peru. Easter W/E. Sach’asisa (younger sister), & Qocha (sister), were asking for money from the tourists.
Officer Ninasisa “Nina” Flores (Peruvian National PD) arrived on the scene.
San Pedro, Peru. Dirty Felix (thief) had stolen 2 German’s backpacks.
Officer Nina Flores later was interviewing Qocha (7, Indian). Sach’asisa (5, Indian, younger sister) had been kidnapped.
Hector (lamb) had run off also.
Rosa Tenia (mother) was hoping Officer Flores might help find her son Leon Tenia who had been kidnapped yrs. ago.
Bar Mal (Ucayali). Officer Flores was having a beer when Officer Abban Sandoval (39, Peruvian Jap, Estadio precinct) approached her.
Hastu Alverez (beau) & Auntie Nina Flores got into a huge argument. Auntie Nina Flores was murdered.
What was Leland Saltmarsh (father) discussing with Officer Flores?
Zaria had executed Miguel (informant).
What happened to Sach’asisa “Sach” (f)?
What is Peter Saltmarsh (son) up to?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Sendero Press; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
2012, Cusco, Peru. Easter W/E. Sach’asisa (younger sister), & Qocha (sister), were asking for money from the tourists.
Officer Ninasisa “Nina” Flores (Peruvian National PD) arrived on the scene.
San Pedro, Peru. Dirty Felix (thief) had stolen 2 German’s backpacks.
Officer Nina Flores later was interviewing Qocha (7, Indian). Sach’asisa (5, Indian, younger sister) had been kidnapped.
Hector (lamb) had run off also.
Rosa Tenia (mother) was hoping Officer Flores might help find her son Leon Tenia who had been kidnapped yrs. ago.
Bar Mal (Ucayali). Officer Flores was having a beer when Officer Abban Sandoval (39, Peruvian Jap, Estadio precinct) approached her.
Hastu Alverez (beau) & Auntie Nina Flores got into a huge argument. Auntie Nina Flores was murdered.
What was Leland Saltmarsh (father) discussing with Officer Flores?
Zaria had executed Miguel (informant).
What happened to Sach’asisa “Sach” (f)?
What is Peter Saltmarsh (son) up to?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Sendero Press; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 22, 2014
I reviewed author Max Tomlinson's first novel in the Nina Flores series, Sendero, in depth, and I grabbed a copy of the follow up, Who Sings to the Dead, when it was available on the Kindle Lending Library. I couldn't put it down and read it as soon as I got it, but I kept putting off the review (primarily because I like the books so much I have little to say except to gush praise, and that so completely goes against my grain). Now, I'm reading his third book and if I don't review this one now, I'll be several books behind! No one is happier than I am that the books in this series just keep coming.
I loved this book as much as the first. It had suspense, history, excellent characterizations, and...humanity. I think that's the word I'm looking for. It had a slightly different feel than Sendero, but I liked seeing how Nina's caring side expressed itself as she searched for a child of the street who'd been abducted.
Mr. Tomlinson writes excellent descriptive passages that let you feel like you're right there in the jungle or in the city for Holy Week. It's all quite vivid, even the nastiness.
There is reliably going to be a lot of nastiness in Nina Flores's universe. Her experiences and reality are very different from those of the American reader. That's one of the things I like best about the novels -- the characters think and act like real people who have lived through a dirty war and survived under a corrupt government and are now just trying to make their way -- they aren't just thinly disguised Americans dropped into a Peruvian setting or stereotypes of "native people" found in many action/thriller novels.
Highly recommended. You could read it standalone and enjoy it, but I expect you'll want to read Sendero after you do, so buy them both at once :-)
I loved this book as much as the first. It had suspense, history, excellent characterizations, and...humanity. I think that's the word I'm looking for. It had a slightly different feel than Sendero, but I liked seeing how Nina's caring side expressed itself as she searched for a child of the street who'd been abducted.
Mr. Tomlinson writes excellent descriptive passages that let you feel like you're right there in the jungle or in the city for Holy Week. It's all quite vivid, even the nastiness.
There is reliably going to be a lot of nastiness in Nina Flores's universe. Her experiences and reality are very different from those of the American reader. That's one of the things I like best about the novels -- the characters think and act like real people who have lived through a dirty war and survived under a corrupt government and are now just trying to make their way -- they aren't just thinly disguised Americans dropped into a Peruvian setting or stereotypes of "native people" found in many action/thriller novels.
Highly recommended. You could read it standalone and enjoy it, but I expect you'll want to read Sendero after you do, so buy them both at once :-)
March 15, 2013
I loved this book. Normally I'm a fantasy girl, but this one hooked me early and kept me fascinated until the very end. it's a must-read.
With 'Who Sings to the Dead' Tomlinson has outdone himself. Kirkus doesn't give a starred review to just any book. Sendero, Tomlinson's first book received one, I'm sure if they could, Kirkus would give two to 'Who Sings to the Dead?' Hands down, one of my favorite books this year. Tomlinson's use of language and his mastery of the suspense genre makes his second book truly a nail-biting thrill ride through the back alleys of South America.
The plot is big enough to keep you pondering South American politics weeks after you have been forced to put the book down after reading every last word twice. This book has just enough lyrical description and access to Nina's inner thoughts to balance out the non-stop action.
I really did not know if Nina would make it through every adventure and had to stay up way past my bedtime to find out. What a great read!
With 'Who Sings to the Dead' Tomlinson has outdone himself. Kirkus doesn't give a starred review to just any book. Sendero, Tomlinson's first book received one, I'm sure if they could, Kirkus would give two to 'Who Sings to the Dead?' Hands down, one of my favorite books this year. Tomlinson's use of language and his mastery of the suspense genre makes his second book truly a nail-biting thrill ride through the back alleys of South America.
The plot is big enough to keep you pondering South American politics weeks after you have been forced to put the book down after reading every last word twice. This book has just enough lyrical description and access to Nina's inner thoughts to balance out the non-stop action.
I really did not know if Nina would make it through every adventure and had to stay up way past my bedtime to find out. What a great read!
November 16, 2017
Exciting and Authentic
It’s Easter week in Cusco, Peru, and Tourist Policewoman Nina Flores is busy trying to protect the thousands of tourists from the usual pickpockets and con-men. Her job becomes more complex when one of the two Indian street kids she helps is kidnapped by a tall white man. Her determination to get the girl back puts her in conflict with her own superiors and the other police forces in the country. She can’t tell whether it’s just because they don’t think an Indian girl is important or whether the case has deeper roots, perhaps in Peru’s Dirty War against the Shining Path. Nina’s struggles to find the girl lead her eventually to a climax in the Amazon jungle. Tomlinson’s characters are well developed, and his plots are realistic. He knows his terrorists, and his female characters are particularly well drawn. Highly recommended.
It’s Easter week in Cusco, Peru, and Tourist Policewoman Nina Flores is busy trying to protect the thousands of tourists from the usual pickpockets and con-men. Her job becomes more complex when one of the two Indian street kids she helps is kidnapped by a tall white man. Her determination to get the girl back puts her in conflict with her own superiors and the other police forces in the country. She can’t tell whether it’s just because they don’t think an Indian girl is important or whether the case has deeper roots, perhaps in Peru’s Dirty War against the Shining Path. Nina’s struggles to find the girl lead her eventually to a climax in the Amazon jungle. Tomlinson’s characters are well developed, and his plots are realistic. He knows his terrorists, and his female characters are particularly well drawn. Highly recommended.
July 1, 2013
Who Sings to the Dead tells the story of a Peruvian National Police officer, Nina Flores, who is trying to locate a young Indian girl, Sach’a, who has been abducted by an American man.
Nina is one of my favorite characters to read about, and I appreciated how she has developed since Sendero. She seemed more mature, direct, and didn’t take no for answer from anyone. She expected more from people, and for them to do the right thing. When help took too long, or she wasn’t getting anywhere she was creative and resourceful enough to find another way to get what she needed.
Even so, I found her brother and his politics very intriguing in Sendero, and was not sure how Who Sings to the Dead would be without him in it. However, Nina is such a strong character, and the storyline was so interesting that I did not miss him as much as I thought I would.
There was a lot of action and adventure in this book. I enjoyed how the story progressed, and how Nina used all her resources to try and find Sach’a. Also, the description of Nina’s town and the locales that she travelled to were so well done that I could see them in my mind. I loved the details as they made the story seem realistic, and made me care about these communities and the people in them.
The ending had a twist, and I have to admit it was the one I was hoping for. I do not want to spoil it for any other readers, but it was a big surprise for Nina and I wonder what will come of this. It was hard turning the last few pages of the book because I wanted to read more of Nina’s story. I started to read more slowly hoping it would last just a touch longer, but at the end I was happy how the book finished.
This was a great book to read, and I highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to the next one. Many thanks to the author for providing me a copy of this fantastic novel!
P.S. I apologize for the lateness of my feedback, but the rotator cuff injury and dislocated rib got in the way. Thanks again!
Nina is one of my favorite characters to read about, and I appreciated how she has developed since Sendero. She seemed more mature, direct, and didn’t take no for answer from anyone. She expected more from people, and for them to do the right thing. When help took too long, or she wasn’t getting anywhere she was creative and resourceful enough to find another way to get what she needed.
Even so, I found her brother and his politics very intriguing in Sendero, and was not sure how Who Sings to the Dead would be without him in it. However, Nina is such a strong character, and the storyline was so interesting that I did not miss him as much as I thought I would.
There was a lot of action and adventure in this book. I enjoyed how the story progressed, and how Nina used all her resources to try and find Sach’a. Also, the description of Nina’s town and the locales that she travelled to were so well done that I could see them in my mind. I loved the details as they made the story seem realistic, and made me care about these communities and the people in them.
The ending had a twist, and I have to admit it was the one I was hoping for. I do not want to spoil it for any other readers, but it was a big surprise for Nina and I wonder what will come of this. It was hard turning the last few pages of the book because I wanted to read more of Nina’s story. I started to read more slowly hoping it would last just a touch longer, but at the end I was happy how the book finished.
This was a great book to read, and I highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to the next one. Many thanks to the author for providing me a copy of this fantastic novel!
P.S. I apologize for the lateness of my feedback, but the rotator cuff injury and dislocated rib got in the way. Thanks again!
June 11, 2013
I would recommend Who Sings to the Dead? to all readers of literary novels, whether or not they are drawn to thrillers as a rule. I read it on my vacation, and could not put it down to see the sights! Policewoman Nina's backstory, current predicament, sense of moral justice, courage, and especially just how much she cares about her nation's victims, make this a page-turner with a social conscience. Nina's character is developed believably from the year that has passed since Sendero. Her new involvement with children brings her character to maturity. Her defensoras organization is based on an actual Peruvian organization. In addition to the new quagmire of the kidnapped child, the device of connecting the villain, through his father, with the "dirty war" of Nina's childhood, drew me in to broaden my interest.
Through his vivid descriptions of Cusco, the elaborate, traditional Semana Santa festival, and then later, of the Amazon, Tomlinson wove the tale in and out of the varied scenes, lifestyles and ethnicities of Peru. This is one of my favorite aspects of the book - all this, while the gripping action drove clearly and steadily forward.
My only two caveats: I found the brief shift to the villain's point of view distracting; and secondly, I wanted to know why Aluino, Nina's gruff young accomplice near the end of the book, had been drawn to "eavesdropping" on the specific Shining Path characters that gave Nina and readers the information needed - to conveniently set us up for the 3rd thriller in this series. These issues, however, were small, and overall did not distract from a wonderful book that is sure to be as big a hit as Sendero.
Through his vivid descriptions of Cusco, the elaborate, traditional Semana Santa festival, and then later, of the Amazon, Tomlinson wove the tale in and out of the varied scenes, lifestyles and ethnicities of Peru. This is one of my favorite aspects of the book - all this, while the gripping action drove clearly and steadily forward.
My only two caveats: I found the brief shift to the villain's point of view distracting; and secondly, I wanted to know why Aluino, Nina's gruff young accomplice near the end of the book, had been drawn to "eavesdropping" on the specific Shining Path characters that gave Nina and readers the information needed - to conveniently set us up for the 3rd thriller in this series. These issues, however, were small, and overall did not distract from a wonderful book that is sure to be as big a hit as Sendero.
May 31, 2014
Another intelligent and thrilling story by Tomlinson. Nina Flores is street smart and doing all she can to survive. Her past haunts her with every turn but she is determined to save a child kidnapped by a North American tourist. Or so she thinks.
The author's adept style of writing captivates while educates readers about the turmoil and corruption in the region. The characters are raw and real and the storyline fresh and fast paced.
A definite 5/5 read and highly recommended to those who enjoy a political thriller.
The author's adept style of writing captivates while educates readers about the turmoil and corruption in the region. The characters are raw and real and the storyline fresh and fast paced.
A definite 5/5 read and highly recommended to those who enjoy a political thriller.
July 6, 2014
I am loving this story
August 31, 2018
This is a gripping complex story that is based of off true events and some of the horrific results. The characters are full of life, real life situations are depicted, and even a romance angle is explored. The action is not constantly in your face, but it is prevalent all through the book almost like a heartbeat.
October 6, 2018
3 star
A solid read although it had a horrible contradiction relating to timing on rigor mortis. Interesting setting. Series claims mystery but it feels more like thriller with some of the other POV scenes.
A solid read although it had a horrible contradiction relating to timing on rigor mortis. Interesting setting. Series claims mystery but it feels more like thriller with some of the other POV scenes.
July 9, 2018
Exquisite
I enjoyed every word. This is one of those that is hard to put down and go to sleep cuz you will dream the book.
I enjoyed every word. This is one of those that is hard to put down and go to sleep cuz you will dream the book.
May 28, 2014
The last few days have been a tumble because of "Who Sings to the Dead?" The layers of the land and the story are thick and deep. The mountains support the city. The city of Cuzco is layered, Peruvian, Colonial Spanish, Incan. The city rides upon the two ancient rivers that give Cuzco it's shape. Within that the cultures layer one on another, indigenous, official, peruanos. Everyone has needs and motives that run deep but make absolute sense. Tomlinson’s masterful description of the Amazon forest is stunning. Like this story, everything that happens in the Jungle happens for a reason. There is a powerful description of hallucinogenic synesthesia that is beyond masterful.
Thomlinson has a sense of place like Stieg Larson, a deep understanding of culture and motivation like Tony Hillerman, an ability to control an interwoven story like Dan Brown.
There is action and personal struggle and mystery. Personally, I hate comments that say so-and-so is better than so-and-so, but this this book is a big deal. You should let yourself get hooked on “Who Sings to the Dead”.
Thomlinson has a sense of place like Stieg Larson, a deep understanding of culture and motivation like Tony Hillerman, an ability to control an interwoven story like Dan Brown.
There is action and personal struggle and mystery. Personally, I hate comments that say so-and-so is better than so-and-so, but this this book is a big deal. You should let yourself get hooked on “Who Sings to the Dead”.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews